2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV

Overview

The CLA-class has been the entry point to the Mercedes-Benz lineup for years, and as the fastback sedan enters its third generation, it's spawning an electric variant. While a gas-powered CLA will still live on, the electric CLA is offered either as the CLA250+ or the CLA350. The CLA250+ comes with a single-motor rear-wheel drive setup, while the dual-motor CLA350 offers all-wheel drive and more power. Driving range is the CLA EV's most impressive metric, though; the EPA estimates the CLA's driving range at up to 374 miles per charge. Mercedes is promising impressively quick DC fast-charging capability, too. The CLA will challenge established EV sedans such as the BMW i4 and the Tesla Model 3.

What's New for 2026?

The next-gen CLA-class launches for the 2026 model year, and the lineup includes an EV for the very first time. Mercedes-Benz has developed an entirely new platform for the forthcoming CLA, which will also provide the basis for a pair of small SUVs as well as a station-wagon variant of the CLA-class sedan.

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Compare CarsEV Motor, Power, and Performance

The CLA250+ is the base model of the EV range, packing a 268-hp electric motor powering the rear wheels. A two-speed transmission is standard, rather than the one-speed found in most EVs. Also found on the Porsche Taycan, a two-speed transmission aims to improve highway efficiency and performance. The CLA350 adds a front-mounted motor, granting all-wheel drive and boosting output to 349 horsepower. When we drove the CLA EV in Europe, we found it to offer smooth power and a comfortable ride. The CLA250+ is responsive enough when merging or passing, but the CLA350 is the one to buy if you desire quick acceleration. However, we preferred the 250+ model's lighter steering and suspension tune, as the 350 feels heavier and less nimble in corners.

0–60-MPH Times

In our testing, the CLA250+ got to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is quicker than Mercedes' estimate. We haven't tested the CLA350 yet, but Mercedes estimates it will get to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

More on the CLA-Class EV SedanRange, Charging, and Battery Life

The CLA EV is the first car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup to ride on the company's new 800-volt architecture. It comes with an 85-kWh battery pack, and the EPA estimates that the CLA250+ can travel up to 374 miles before needing a charge. In our real-world 75-mph highway range test, the CLA250+ achieved an impressive 340 miles of range. The CLA350 4Matic model is rated for 312 miles per charge, but we haven't yet tested that model's range for ourselves yet. Mercedes claims that the CLA can charge at up to 320 kilowatts on an adequately powerful DC fast-charger; in our testing, it went from a 10 percent to a 90 percent charge in 28 minutes. The CLA is equipped with a NACS port and will be able to charge at Tesla Superchargers, although, because those stations use 400-volt systems, Mercedes says you'll need a converter to do so.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA estimates that the CLA EV will deliver up to 127 MPGe in the city and 124 MPGe on the highway. In our 75-mph real-w0rld highway fuel economy test, the CLA250+ beat its highway estimate and achieved 126 MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV fuel efficiency. For more information about the CLA-class EV's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The CLA EV's cabin has space for four, an all-glass roof, and futuristic styling elements. Although it's a small car, the CLA's interior feels open and spacious, with a flat floor in the back seat and an open-concept cockpit design with decent storage options. Legroom in the back is still tight, though. We expect the Superscreen—a new, dashboard-spanning combination of three large upright displays—to be popular, even though it's not our cup of tea. All models come with heated and power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, four fast-charging USB-C ports, and the aforementioned fixed glass roof. Opt for the AMG Line package, and you'll get some sporty flair with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red contrasting stitching for the upholstery, and brushed stainless steel pedals.

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and Connectivity

Digital screens comprise most of the CLA EV's dashboard. A 10.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch central touchscreen are standard, while a second 14.0-inch passenger display is optional. When equipped with all three, Mercedes-Benz calls it Superscreen. We call it superfluous, but we're curious to try it out to see if it's as overwhelming as it sounds. A 16-speaker Burmester stereo is also available as an option, and it features Dolby Atmos technology for spatial audio.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking, are all standard on the CLA EV. For more information about the CLA-class EV's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering featureWarranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes provides limited and powertrain coverages for its current production models that align with most rival luxury automakers. However, unlike BMW and Jaguar, the company doesn't provide any complimentary maintenance.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 No complimentary scheduled maintenanceSpecifications

Specifications

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250+
Vehicle Type: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $49,300/$62,880

POWERTRAIN
Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Power: 268 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque: 247 lb-ft @ 0 rpm
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85 kWh
Peak Charge Rate, AC/DC: 9.6/320 kW
Transmission: 2-speed automatic 

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.0-in vented disc/12.9-in disc
Tires: Bridgestone Turanza 6
F: 225/40R-19 93W MO
R: HL255/35R-19 99W MO 

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 109.8 in
Length: 185.9 in
Width: 73.0 in
Height: 57.8 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 59/38 ft3
Trunk Volume: 10 ft3
Front Trunk Volume: 3 ft3
Curb Weight: 4550 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.5 sec @ 98 mph
100 mph: 15.0 sec
130 mph: 27.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.0 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g

Interior Sound
Idle: 37 dBA/2 sone
Full Throttle: 72 dBA
70-mph Cruising: 69 dBA/24 sone

C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 108 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving: 126 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 340 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 166 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 28 min

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 109/112/105 MPGe
Range: 317 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs

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